Weighing in at just under
12 oz with a size of 5x3.4x2.4", the compact Minolta Maxxum 5 could
be considered a downsized 35mm SLR, at least when compared to some of
the bulkier pro models. But this size and weight belies the features
and functions Minolta has packed into the latest of their recent SLR
introductions. In some ways the camera evokes memories of the Olympus
OM bodies of yore, or in more recent memory the Advanced Photo System
SLRs that seem to be fading from view. Those needing the reassurance
of a heavy body and use a camera in part to build up their neck and
shoulder muscles will find the Maxxum 5 too light for their purposes.
But any photographer who likes to travel with their camera and who enjoys
the latest in focus and exposure control will welcome the 5 into their
camera bag. While this may seem like excessive discussion about the
camera's size and weight, Minolta makes the claim that this is the smallest
and lightest SLR camera body, so we didn't want it to pass unnoticed.

The Maxxum 5 is both for
the photographer who might want to leave the tasks of metering and focus
to the camera and for those who like to gain control and exercise their
photographic skills. The control dial might intimidate a beginner, as
it eschews icons in favor of terms such as AF-ACS and P-ASM. These are
readily understandable to SLR users as Autofocus--Automatic, Continuous,
and Single and Program--Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and Manual
exposure modes. The icons for familiar program exposure modes sit atop
the LCD panel, however, leaving little doubt that this camera offers
both approaches to making pictures. The control dial also serves notice
that the 5 has custom functions (14 in all) and the ability to set drive
speed and make multiple exposures.

Minolta's honeycomb metering
pattern was right on in even difficult lighting situations.
This photo was made with late-afternoon window light using
Program mode.

Minolta has incorporated and
even improved upon many of the features that have distinguished their
cameras in the past. The 5 does have Eye-Start automation, which gets
all systems going when you bring the camera up to your eye. This means
that you don't have to bother tapping the shutter release button to get
focus and exposure moving. It also has an optional Panorama mode, selected
by toggling a switch on the back plate. This just crops the frame in the
viewfinder and masks the film accordingly. As you know by now, this adds
substantially to your photofinishing bill so you might prefer to shoot
it full frame and crop later. Making panoramic slides is a kick, however.

Spot metering is a great
way to control highlights when using slide film. Here, I
placed the spot on the top of the barber pole and added
plus one exposure compensation to place the white highlight
right where it would record texture on Fujichrome Provia
100 slide film.

The lithe Maxxum 5 sports a
very speedy autofocus system. The company claims that it is three times
as fast as the Maxxum XTsi, which was no laggard in that regard. The camera
has a new seven-point AF system arrayed around a central rectangle in
the finder. You can let the AF system do its thing or you can match a
specific point with a specific target, a function Minolta dubs local focus
area control. You press the tiny AF button on the back of the camera and
turn the command dial; the target area lights in red. This operation proved
to be cramped for our hands, but it works well. You can lock focus to
recompose with the same button. This sits next to the spot-metering button
that also acts as an exposure lock. Happily there's a small rib between
the two so that you don't mix up the functions, but both buttons are a
bit small for our taste.

The three AF modes include
Single or Continuous and Automatic; the last in the group decides for
you whether the system should use one or the other. The company claims
that its Predictive Focus Control can track even the most random motion,
a fact proven in the field where the camera fairly raced every time we
worked with subjects in motion.

The camera relies on the company's
14-segment honeycomb metering pattern for excellent exposures, although
you can switch to spot when desired or required. There's also a method
for determining brightness range by comparing the spot readings and the
EV range for select area measurement. This can come in handy when trying
to figure out how shadow and highlights will record on whatever film you
have in the camera. Naturally the results will depend on the exposure
latitude of the film and on what exposure you finally use. If in doubt
activate the three-shot exposure bracketing (available in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7
and 1 EV increments). You can even bracket off a compensated exposure,
the range being +/- 3 EV in 0.5 EV increments.

An SLR should make it easy to create selective focus techniques
quickly and easily. Here, in Aperture priority mode, I switched
between a shallow and deep depth of field. The depth of
field preview on the 5, an essential for any SLR, allowed
me to see just what I'd get sharp and unsharp in these frames.
Photo A (above) was shot at f/5.6 while Photo B (right)
was shot at f/16 with the 28mm setting on the AF zoom lens
using Program mode.

The camera has both a built-in
flash and a hot shoe slot. You can also get wireless remote off-camera
flash control with dedicated Minolta flash units and use the built-in
as the kicker. If you work with Minolta's 5600 HS (D) and 3600 HS (D)
flash units you can get high-speed sync at up to the camera's max shutter
speed of 1/4000 sec, albeit with diminished throw. Normally the sync speed
is 1/125 sec. Another item worthy of further note is a depth of field
preview, conveniently located on the lower right-hand side of the body
and 3 frames per sec advance.

In the field we got to work
with the Minolta AF Zoom 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 (D) lens that, incidentally,
is also claimed to be the smallest and lightest in its class and focal
length range. The camera was responsive to all of our photographic needs
and whims, and made picture taking a breeze. Switching through modes,
using fill flash and choosing appropriate focusing targets with the 5
proved to be a pleasure. In all, the Maxxum 5 is a great traveling companion,
one that won't break your back or your budget.